A group of prominent church leaders from various denominations in Kenya, led by Rev. Blessed Njuki, Chairman of the Tetea Mwili wa Kristo Forum (TMK), has strongly condemned the recent public outcry and threats made against church leaders, particularly Bishop Edward Mwai of Roysambu, following donations made by President William Ruto to his church.
Rev. Njuki expressed concerns about the growing trend of incitement and negative public reaction whenever President Ruto attends church or makes financial contributions to religious institutions. He highlighted the case of Bishop Mwai’s church in Roysambu, where critics have falsely claimed that the Bishop was given Sh 20 million by the President and that the church field was handed to him free of charge. According to Rev. Njuki, these allegations are baseless and meant to tarnish the good name of the church and its leadership.
“We are here today because of what is happening in our country. As churches, we are not happy with the ongoing criticism against the church. When President Ruto attends church, some Kenyans start criticizing the church and even threaten the pastor. Just the other Sunday, the President was in Bishop Edward Mwai’s church in Roysambu, and we have heard people saying he made a mistake by attending, suggesting that the Bishop was given money or land, which is simply not true,” said Rev. Njuki.
He also pointed out the danger of inciting youth, particularly Generation Z, to target pastors and churches based on unfounded rumors. “We condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the so-called ‘Operation Occupy Jesus Winner.’ We as youth pastors will not allow it. Stern actions should be taken against those planning to attack the church. If someone has made a mistake, they should be taken to court, not incited to harm pastors,” Rev. Njuki emphasized.
Rev. Njuki clarified that there is nothing wrong with President Ruto attending church and offering donations, as it is within his rights as a Christian. "It is not bad for the President to go to church. He is a Christian, and as a Christian, he is allowed to give whatever he has as an offering according to his means. But inciting the youth to attack the church over the offering is uncouth and uncalled for. There is no place in the Bible where one gives an offering and later goes back to take it. We tell Bishop Mwai not to return a single cent, as this issue is unwarranted,” he said.
The church leaders expressed their strong support for Bishop Mwai and other pastors facing similar attacks. Bishop Samuel Achaga, from Bishop Chakalini Headquarters, added his voice to the condemnation, stating that inciting youth to attack church leaders is unacceptable. “As men of the cloth, we are not happy with what is going on. Youths are being incited to attack church leaders, and we will not allow this. If there is a problem in the country, let us sit down and solve it, but attacking pastors is not the solution. We will not allow pastors to be forced to return the offerings given to them by President William Ruto," said Bishop Achaga.
Pastor Paul Ushindi, another prominent religious leader, also condemned the political incitement of youth against churches. He emphasized that churches rely on donations and support to carry out their work, and it is essential for the public to understand this. "It is sad that politicians are using the youth to incite attacks on church leaders. We thank President Ruto for his donations, as churches are built through offerings. Churches don’t own steel companies or cement factories; they need financial support to thrive,” said Pastor Ushindi.
MC Blaze, a youth leader and advocate for Generation Z, also voiced his concerns. "As the leader of Gen Z, I want to say it’s time we stopped being used by politicians for their own selfish interests. The politicians you are fighting for are living comfortable lives, while you, the youth, are being used. I support President Ruto’s donations to the church, as it is within his rights to give," said MC Blaze.
The church leaders concluded the meeting with a call for unity and understanding, urging the public to refrain from making unfounded accusations against church leaders and to allow President Ruto to continue his personal contributions to the church without interference. They also called for stronger efforts to educate and protect the youth from being manipulated for political gain.
The message was clear: the church leaders stand united in their support for religious institutions and their leaders, and they will not allow the incitement of violence or attacks on the faith community to continue unchecked.
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